It was very clean. Like notably clean. There was some disorganization with the event, in particular with signage or lack thereof. Signage was present, but not at helpful locations for guests who have never been to the campus. We were one group of very many who had no idea where to be, dampening our fairly expensive experience. There was little room in vip lines causing more of a crowd than an organized line. Almost all staff was extremely nice as well as understanding with people not being sure what to do or where to be. The "crowd free" shopping experience didn't happen. It was a disorganized cluster. Doors for general admission were open while vip were still in line. I am extremely disappointed with the venues side of our "vip experience". Other notable things were that many items on the prohibited list were allowed, such as book bags, large bags, large signs, smoking, outside food and drink. It seemed more of some people were allowed and some weren't. The concession was small for the venue. Im sure some things were due to miscommunication between event and venue. Perhaps the event was too large for the venue? But again, staff was nice, there was adequate parking (though not enough direction in where to park for what things-it was known that parking was allowed throughout campus,allowing for ample parking), and as I said, it was extremely clean. In case some of what I mentioned was out of their hands, as sometimes is the case, I am leaving 4 stars instead of 3. It was better than 3, but my experience certainmy wasnt quite a 4 (Iwould ask for a partial refund if possible since we did not get to experience all of what we paid for, and the venue added additional fees to VIP tickets). Overall, i probably wouldnt attend concerts here again if other options are available in driving distance unless they are smaller, but would attend other events if acheduled there. It's clean, staff is nice, probably excellent for college games,...
Read moreI came here to see Earth, Wind and Fire perform. Total 4 hours drive from the DMV area and worth e-v-e-r-y minute. It is actually a beautiful drive. I did the drive during the early stages of Fall, so the mountains put on a show for me.
I got a little nervous when I arrived because traffic was backed up a bit when you arrived at campus, but traffic moved quickly.
I was not a fan of the disparate parking. I had to walk half a mile to the venue from where I parked. I took a picture of where I parked to help me navigate how to get back to my car when I left the concert.
I just followed the crowd. Luckily, I was walking with people who worked/studied at UPMC so they knew shortcuts to get to the Events Center.
Thank God the concert was a few minutes behind, so I had time to buy some very delicious (albeit salty) popcorn and alcoholic beverages before I took my seat and the concert started.
I didn't feel crowded. I had floor seats. Just three rows from the stage. The seats were folding chairs, but I felt like I had plenty of room. It did help that the seats in front of me remained empty so I kept my bag and belongings there. I'm sure it would have been okay if I kept them in my seat or on the ground in front of me.
Some folks around me were masked, others were not. I brought a mask, but since I remained standing most of the 90 minutes set dancing and singing to the music, I didn't feel a need to wear it as most around me remained seated.
I saw EWF in the DMV area, so I knew September was the final song in their set. As soon as the music began, I went to grab my things because I didn't want to get stuck in the parking lot for an hour trying to get out since I had a 4 hour drive ahead of me. All in all, I would return again to see a once in a lifetime performer like Earth, Wind and Fire perform. If you do go and you are outside of the area (like me), arrive early so you can park close. It will help when you...
Read moreI was lucky enough to attend the first major event at the venue.
The venue is incredible small and only seats a few thousand, which, served as a great opportunity to be up close and personal with the band's no matter where you sit. I am convinced that there probably isn't a bad seat in the house, though, my recommendation would be to get seats facing the stage so you're not off at an awkward angle.
The size also allows the music to be truly amplified, one of the only concerts I've experienced, where the floor was literally shaking with the bass and you could feel the music as much as be heard.
Small crowd size provided a comfortable setting, merchandise booths weren't over crowded, and restrooms were easy access in and out, quickly.
Afterwards security was a bit pushy to get people out, one was incredibly rude to some people, but I tacked it up as him just being tired as he was old.
Once outside the crowd cleared up pretty fast but I didn't drive so cannot make a statement on parking, though, it did seem small. I ubered in, but wouldn't recommed ubering out as the closest drivers were in Pittsburgh! Luckily, I suspected and had a ride.
Security outside was OK with people hanging out, which was nice, because we had to wait for our ride and we caught the band on there way out. We were able to meet and get photo's with Amy Lee, which was a huge plus, that is denied at many venues who won't allow you to wait around afterwards. Again, a perk of small crowd.
Overall, highly recommend for personal and intimate...
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